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Be prepared for flooding as more rain on the way

RESIDENTS across Oxfordshire have been told to be prepared for more flooding as further heavy rainfall is forecast.

Up to 10mm of rain was expected to fall in parts of Oxfordshire last night with more rain expected today and tomorrow and stormier weather due to hit the countyon Sunday.

Last night the Environment Agency said people should be prepared.

Spokesman Jo Slimin said: “With rivers already flooding and flowing well, further rainfall will only exacerbate the situation and people should be prepared for further flooding.”

This week EA officers have been clearing debris blocking a weir at King’s Lock in North Oxford, and Iffley weir and said it could put up demountable defence barriers in Osney Island and Lake Street in Oxford if the situation worsens.

City council spokesman Louisa Dean said: “We have been prepared for any flooding in the city since before Christmas.”

A number of flood alerts are in place including the River Cherwell from Lower Heyford to Oxford, the River Ock from Watchfield to Abingdon, the River Thames for the Oxford and Abingdon area, the River Evenlode and the River Windrush.